Album Mini-review: Doug Tuttle — It Calls On Me
File next to: Tame Impala, Plasticland, Starling Electric
On his self-titled 2014 debut, Doug Tuttle staked out his musical territory: a shimmering, woozy, yet highly tuneful 21st century take on the gentler side of mid 1960s psychedelic rock. Deftly sidestepping overtly retro production flourishes yet knowingly nailing the era’s vibe, he sounded like a slightly less-crazed American version of XTC‘s alter ego, The Dukes of Stratosphear. That approach is expanded upon with It Calls On Me, a disc that continues to mine the music of fifty years ago for its inspiration. (Tuttle even continues the 1960s approach of releasing albums that are over in a half hour or so.) The songs on It Calls On Me are cast from the same mold as those of its predecessor, but with sharper melodic approach. If you miss the 1960s, a spin of It Calls On Me just might take you there.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.